Lorgat denies making statement over Pak security: PCB

Karachi, Dec 23 (IANS) International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has “categorically denied” remarks he is reported to have made about a security assessment of Pakistan ahead of its home series against Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Tuesday. A PCB statement said that Lorgat spoke with board chairman Ijaz Butt Tuesday and told him that his remarks were torn out of context.

“Mr. Haroon Lorgat has categorically denied remarks attributed to him by a news agency,” said the statement. “Talking to the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt on telephone, Lorgat said his remarks were taken out of context. He added that he fully supported the efforts of the PCB in arranging the Sri Lanka’s tour at such a short notice,” the statement concluded.

The PCB top brass was left fuming after Lorgat was quoted as saying that the ICC will not appoint match officials for Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan until a security assessment had been made.

“We will do an independent assessment of the situation in Pakistan to ensure the safety of the umpires and match referee,” Lorgat was quoted as saying Monday.

“I am convinced the Sri Lankan board will also do everything to ascertain whether it is safe to play in Pakistan and also seek assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board. We will do our own assessment. After all, we will be supplying the match officials,” Lorgat had reportedly told reporters in Mohali.

Sri Lanka has agreed to play three Tests and five one-dayers in Pakistan after India cancelled its tour of the country planned for Jan-Feb next year over last month’s terror attacks in Mumbai.

“The players are more than happy to tour Pakistan and play the series there,” Ranatunga, a former Sri Lanka captain, was quoted as saying Tuesday.

Ranatunga added: “I have talked with all the leading players and they expressed their willingness to play in Pakistan. “The Sri Lanka board is happy with the security arrangements being made for the players during their stay.”